Publications

This publication resulted from the mapping of substandard Roma settlements in Serbia, for the purpose of creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) for monitoring the living conditions in them and planning future upgrading programmes at the national level. The publication gives an overview of general characteristics of all the substandard Roma settlements in Serbia, such as size, spatial distribution, quality of infrastructure, existence of urban plans, access to public services and land ownership

This study has been developed by the OSCE Mission to Serbia, together with a civil society organization Centre for Free Elections and Democracy (CeSID) in 2011. It aims at raising citizens' awareness on the importance of participatory democracy and setting the ground for the improvement of the process in local self-governments in Serbia. Apart from a quantitative analysis of the existing practice, the publication offers a detailed case study of 20 municipalities and towns in Serbia. This publication is available in Serbian only.

The Monograph includes works of students of specialized course in environmental law. It contains case studies of different environmental problems in Serbia and recommends possible solutions. Available in Serbian only.

The purpose of the manual on torrential floods and community based flood risk reduction is to acquaint local and international stakeholders with national achievements and challenges in the field of torrential flood risk management in Serbia. The manual contains a comprehensive review of historically significant torrential floods in Serbia, existing flood management strategies, risk analysis and legal framework that stipulates the jurisdiction of local governments in the prevention and management of flood risks. It highlights the strategic importance of the role that local authorities have in creating flood resilient communities. A part of the manual is dedicated to the engagement of civil society in raising awareness of local communities in disaster risk reduction and the importance of their co-operation and partnership with elected officials, thus creating a "culture of preparedness".

This publication serves as a resource material for Local Youth Office Coordinators and other youth actors in Serbia who work with young people and develop youth programmes, to support them in promoting equality and in applying non-discrimination principles. The OSCE Mission to Serbia provided expert advice for the making of the publication. This book is available in Serbian language only.

This publication contains an analysis of national and international regulations governing liability for environmental damage, an assessment of environmental damage and compensation for environmental damage in comparative law and international treaties, as well as a review of legal instruments governing the protection of the environment through civil and criminal law in the Republic of Serbia. This handbook places strong emphasis on the role of public in initiating and participating in environmental criminal and civil proceedings. The Manual is intended for judges who deal with criminal and civil cases, prosecutors, law students, environmental inspectors and civil society. Available in Serbian only.

Based on the assumption that natural disasters can have different effects on men and women, the OSCE Mission to Serbia supported the development of a publication on the impact of May 2014 flooding in Serbia from a gender perspective. The research was conducted in order to identify and document gender-specific differences regarding flood risk, inform the public, formulate a set of recommendations and offer them to responsible authorities to improve gender sensitive planning in emergency management. Results of the research show that the most vulnerable groups during natural disasters are the elderly, people with disabilities, single mothers and women who live alone in their households. Illiterate residents (mostly women and Roma) are also among the vulnerable categories. The research also reveals that the basis of community vulnerability in emergency situations lies in an undeveloped systemic approach to dissemination of information during natural disasters and lack of community training on practices of effective reactions during floods. The publication is available in both Serbian and English.

The purpose of this publication is to serve as a tool for the judiciary, law enforcement, auditors, public procurement professionals, bidders and contracting entities in their quest to further mitigate the risks and vulnerabilities for corruption in public procurement and restore confidence in the public sector that the awarding of government contracts is fully transparent, and to the public that funds are spent efficiently, effectively and economically.

“Housing Models for Substandard Roma Settlements: Guidelines for Local Self-Governments, civil society organizations and Roma community” is a handbook resulted from the work on the selection and refinement of the housing models used so far in Serbia for the improvement of housing conditions of Roma and other vulnerable persons. It provides guidelines for the implementation of 13 housing models, and contains descriptions, conceptual designs, technical parameters, construction materials to be used, as well as a list of necessary technical documentation including building and other permits, cost-estimations and timeline for each model. The publication aims to assist local self-governments, civil society organizations and other entities to effectively develop and implement their housing improvement projects on Roma settlements.

This leaflet aims at raising community awareness about flooding and flood risk reduction measures. It was developed within a project on enhancing community-based flood risk management in Zajecar municipality. The leaflet was distributed in the course of a comprehensive outreach campaign, the goal of which was to improve flood resilience of affected communities and to strengthen the involvement of civil society in flood risk reduction in Zajecar, a municipality prone to serious flooding. It is not available in English.